Diriyah Biennale Foundation

A catalyst for global dialogue between the growing, diverse art communities in Saudi Arabia and across the world.

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‏This curtain, used to cover the Ka‘bah, was made by order of King Fahd bin Abdulaziz Al Saud in 1411/1990, is heavily embroidered with gold and silver threads on a black silk ground, and its composition combines scrolling decoration with inscription panels and roundels enclosing verses from the Holy Qur’an.

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Immersed in darkness, all the viewer can see of Lutfi’s work, is a shimmering white panel encircling the room embroidered black Qur’anic verse. The kiswah, meant to protect and adorn the Ka‘bah’s exterior, is here concealed and made an object of contemplation, turning the mind toward Makkah al-Mukarramah.

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Diriyah Biennale Foundation

Diriyah Biennale Foundation is a catalyst for global dialogue between the growing, diverse art communities in Saudi Arabia and across the world.
At this historic moment of evolution and growth in Saudi Arabia, these biennales showcase some of the world’s leading artists, drive cultural exchange between local and international communities, promote dialogue and understanding, and further establish Saudi Arabia as an important cultural center.

Inspired by the changes taking place in Saudi Arabia, Diriyah Biennale Foundation assumes a pivotal role in nurturing creative expression and instilling an appreciation for culture, the arts, and their transformative power.

Established in 2020 by the Ministry of Culture, Diriyah Biennale Foundation produces Saudi Arabia’s first-ever art biennales: the Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale, held in the JAX district of Diriyah; and the Islamic Arts Biennale at the Western Hajj Terminal inJeddah. Diriyah Biennale Foundation is a catalyst for discovery and serves Saudi Arabia’s communities by offering opportunities to engage with the burgeoning local art scene.

Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale and the Islamic Arts Biennale, produced by Diriyah Biennale Foundation, showcase many previously underrepresented artists from Saudi Arabia, as well as grow awareness and engagement among domestic and international audiences.

Inaugurated in early 2023, the Islamic Arts Biennale is set to be the world’s most significant showcase of contemporary and historic works of Islamic art from across the globe.